Predictive policing AI is on the rise − making it accountable to the public could curb its harmful effects

AI that anticipates where crimes are likely to occur and who might commit them has a troubling track record. Democratic accountability could shine a light on the technology and how it’s used.

Maria Lungu, Postdoctoral Researcher of Law and Public Administration, University of Virginia • conversation
May 6, 2025 ~8 min

New tool evaluates progress in reinforcement learning

“IntersectionZoo,” a benchmarking tool, uses a real-world traffic problem to test progress in deep reinforcement learning algorithms.

MIT Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems • mit
May 5, 2025 ~7 min


Tiny fin features may explain this fish’s super grip power

New research has uncovered a surprising feature on the fins of sculpins, potentially aiding their ability to grip their surroundings.

Dan Bernardi - Syracuse U. • futurity
May 5, 2025 ~7 min

Adolescents with mental health conditions use social media differently than their peers, study suggests

One of the first studies in this area to use clinical-level diagnoses reveals a range of differences between young people with and without mental health

Cambridge University News • cambridge
May 5, 2025 ~9 min

Novel AI model inspired by neural dynamics from the brain

New type of “state-space model” leverages principles of harmonic oscillators.

Adam Conner-Simons | MIT CSAIL • mit
May 2, 2025 ~4 min

How millions of people can watch the same video at the same time – a computer scientist explains the technology behind streaming

A lot of sophisticated digital plumbing goes into delivering that streaming video to your phone, computer or TV.

Chetan Jaiswal, Associate Professor of Computer Science, Quinnipiac University • conversation
May 2, 2025 ~8 min

Making AI models more trustworthy for high-stakes settings

A new method helps convey uncertainty more precisely, which could give researchers and medical clinicians better information to make decisions.

Adam Zewe | MIT News • mit
May 1, 2025 ~7 min

Listen: Bones reveal surprising differences among Vikings

An investigation into Viking skeletons reveals a hidden story of violence, power, and surprising differences between neighboring Vikings.

Norwegian University of Science and Technology • futurity
April 30, 2025 ~8 min


Soft robot can ride wires like a cable car to deliver cargo

The soft robot operates autonomously, can climb slopes at angles of up to 80 degrees, and can carry loads up to 12 times its weight.

NC State • futurity
April 30, 2025 ~5 min

How baker’s yeast sheds light on human migration

A new study on yeast provides insight into how humans have moved through and interacted with their environment.

Sydney Barrilleaux - U. Georgia • futurity
April 30, 2025 ~6 min

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